Character Actor Corner

This is part of the blog that will shine light on character actors. Today's spotlight shines on

Alan Hale Sr.

Alan Hale Sr. Alan Hale Jr.

Alan Hale, Sr. (born Rufus Edward Mackahan, February 10, 1892 - January 22, 1950) was an American movie actor and director, best known for his many supporting character roles, in particular as frequent sidekick of Errol Flynn. Hale directed eight movies during the 1920s and 1930s and acted in 235 theatrical films. He appeared in 13 films that starred Erroll Flynn. He also holds the record for appearing as Little John in 3 separate productions: he played the part in Robin Hood (1922), The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) and Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950), filmed just a year before he died.

His wife of over thirty years was Gretchen Hartmann (1897–1979), a child actress and silent film player and mother of their three children.

He was the father of actor Alan Hale, Jr., best known as "the Skipper" on television's Gilligan's Island. One look at Alan Hale Jr. and no one could ever assume he was adopted; Hale Jr. so closely resembled his father, that at times it appeared that the older fellow had returned to the land of the living.